The Glass City

Are you familiar with world-renowned Dale Chihuly’s amazing work? I was first introduced to his glass wonders five years ago during the Boston Museum of Fine Art’s magnificent Chihuly:Through the Looking Glass exhibit. At that time, the MFA bought a permanent addition to their collection—an icicle tower that stands over 42 feet high. It is made of blown glass and steel. Take a stroll through the museum’s courtyard—you can’t miss this lime-green beauty.

A quotation from Dale’s website gives insight as to why this extremely talented Washington native does what he does: “Glass has the ability, more than any other material, to bring joy and a certain happiness to people.” And he is doing just that with exhibits around the world.

Recently I was fortunate to be in Seattle where my daughter was receiving a diploma. By chance, a long-time friend would also be in Seattle on business…in the same hotel!

When she suggested we squeeze in a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass, a somewhat permanent exhibition since 2012, it was the perfect opportunity to experience one of Seattle’s top attractions.Each time we stepped into the next gallery, a new breathtaking display was in view. The boats in the next picture sat on a solid sheet of black glass. The effect was so perfect and smooth, I almost touched the surface to make sure it wasn’t really water.Here’s another quote from his website: “Glass itself is so much like water. If you let it go on its own, it almost ends up looking like something that came from the sea.”The Persian Ceiling is one of many highlights. The below photograph was taken while looking up at a small section of the impressive ceiling above us.After gliding through the vibrant galleries, we entered the glass house. It was a cloudy day, but if you’re interested, you’ll find much better pictures of this expansive room on the Chihuly Garden and Glass website.After the glass house, we moved on to the beautiful gardens.From the beginning, we knew the Emerald City might just as well be called the Glass City. Even the airport had an exhibit of glass sculptures inspired by children’s artwork. Our hotel was filled with Chihuly works, including photo books and poster-size prints of his designs in each room. One day, while looking at one of his glass-encased drawings on our wall, I discovered my daughter’s reflection was sitting inside the picture.Feeling all inspired and creative, I kept my back to her and snapped several shots as she got comfortable on the window seat way over on the other side of the room.
To elaborate on the Glass City theme, here are a few photographs taken at Glasshouse Studio which we discovered in Pioneer Square. Going strong since 1971, this place is the oldest glassblowing studio in the northwest.I don’t know about you, but all this bright creativity makes me want to learn to work with glass. Although, I have a feeling it’s even harder than it looks…

I ADORE Chilhuly’s work! I’ve seen the piece at the MFA as well as his installation at the Bellagio in Las Vegas… the first time I saw his work, tears flowed from my eyes with the beauty! Trust me, it is worth the trip to Vegas to see the installation. There was a traveling exhibit that came to Chattanooga a few years ago and I went several times… every time I saw something new in each piece. So glad you were able to enjoy it!

Interesting, Joyce. I’ll have to look up the Bellagio. We watched several short videos at the museum, including one from Italy, and it’s quite fascinating to watch Chihuly’s process of setting up exhibits. Thanks for your comment!

I’ve not seen his beautiful work Marcia–until now. thanks. My favorite was the red-orange-yellow “sea creature.” Amazing. And so glad you got to spend the time with your daughter!! a big congratulations to her!!

Wow– that sounds impressive! (and beyond my acquaintance!) — It’s for her career goals, right? Well, I’m sure she loved having you help her celebrate!! I love time with my girls just about more than anything!! Happy weekend ahead! xo

It’s fascinating. Glass is a lot like water. And how cool to have caught your daughter’s reflection in one of the pieces. (Congratulations to her on the diploma, too!) As for taking up making glass, go for it, Marcia. More difficult or not, I’m sure it’ll make you very happy. And that’s reason enough.

Hello Marcia, I’m not at all familiar with Dale Chihuly’s work, but it looks like something out of a fairy story. The glass house ceiling reminded me of a book I was once asked to find. I couldn’t work out what the story was from the clues I was given but some of my blog readers did. One particular sentence sprang to mind when I looked at your photographs “Ben could no longer see the roof for red, gold, yellow and orange flowers.” The story in question is The Nasturtiums that were too proud for their boots and the glass ‘flowers’ on the ceiling look just like Nasturtiums to me.
This is a lovely post, thank you for sharing it.

I have seen his work in Las Vegas and, I’m fairly sure, at least one other place which I can’t remember. However, I might be confused by the number of blogposts I’ve read of which this is by far the most spectacular. Love it!

I’ve seen Chulihy’s work in several places, but the most impressive was the first time I saw one of his “gardens”: in Kew Garden in London. The glass flowers were scattered all over the immense Kew Garden–among the real flowers and other plants. It was like a fairyland! I don’t know if I was so impressed because it was the first time I’d seen his work, or if it really was the best exhibit, but I’ve never forgotten it. Thanks for reminding me of this spectacular artist, Marcia!

Not the wheel, but I saw it and did go to the top of the Space Needle. Time was limited or else I would have loved to take a ferry over to the islands. Every time I heard someone mention Bainbridge, my ears would perk up!

Marcia, this must have been incredible to have seen so many Chihuly art glass sculptures. The first time I saw one, the focal point of the center of the National Liberty Museum in historic Philadelphia, I was thunderstruck. You have to see his art to truly appreciate how magnificent it is. I love your story and all your photos. -Jennie-

I went to a Chihuly Exhibition at the MFA in Boston a few years ago and I was blown away! He is an amazing artist with physical limited eye vision, but his vision in seeing glass as water from the sea is truly amazing! His work is so creative and beautiful with such vibrant colors! What a treat for you and your daughter to go see this “glass city” in person. This is on my bucket list! I love the picture of the reflection of your daughter in the Chihuly in your room. Congratulations to your daughter! You must be so proud of her! A beautiful colorful post! Thank you for sharing with us! 🙂

Glad you got to see the MFA exhibit. Chihuly lost his vision in one eye in a car accident in 1976 and now supervises a team to create his sculptures rather than risking further injury. Thanks for your comment!

Great post Marcia and I love the pictures. I was also at that exhibit at the MFA and later received glass blowing classes as a birthday gift. It is very hard but I loved doing it. I still have all the little glass items I made at the class. Thanks for sharing, his exhibits are just so spectacular.

I wonder if we passed by each other at the exhibit, since I didn’t know you then…And how wonderful that you’ve tried glassblowing! It does look very difficult to do. With all those flaming torches and sharp edges, I would think it easy to mess up. Thanks for adding to the discussion!

“Strykowski ably depicts Amy’s insecurity and self-doubt, Craig’s bravura and pain, and Miss Cogshell’s wisdom with a deft, convincing touch. In essence, Amy comes of age as she fights to find her voice in the outside world and shed some of her debilitating insecurity. Readers will cheer her on, and her splendid team, too.” –BOOKLIST

"The protagonist grows throughout the story, from a shy loner to having two friends and speaking her mind in front of her adversaries at school as well as to the whole town. …Amy is a reliable narrator and easily relatable.” –SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

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“To do a good deed, we can find friendship in the most curious of locations. “Call Me Amy” is a novel from Marcia Strykowski following the struggles of Amy Henderson, who finds an injured seal and seeks to nurse it, with the help of a scorned aging woman and an unusual youth. Set in the early 70s and exploring the essence of loneliness, “Call Me Amy” is a powerful read that should prove so very hard to put down, highly recommended.”—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

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